US Bridges

SR 162 over S Prairie Creek

Fair

Pierce County, Washington · 11.6 E JCT SR 410 · Structure no. 0008606A0000000

Built
1969
56 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected April 2024
Type
Stringer/Multi-beam or Girder
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
250 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
8,745
2023 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

SR 162 over S Prairie Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous stringer/multi-beam or girder carrying SR 162 over S Prairie Creek in Pierce County, Washington. It was built in 1969, so it is 56 years old, older than the Washington average of 49.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 8,745 vehicles a day, roughly 10% of them trucks, projected to reach 12,420 by 2039. The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long and 34 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 8.1 mi (13 km).

CarriesSR 162
CrossesS Prairie Creek
Location11.6 E JCT SR 410
RouteState Highway 162
Coordinates47.10872, -122.14622
Functional classUrban Minor Arterial

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Substructure7 GoodSome minor problems.
Channel and channel protection5 FairAll primary structural elements are sound but may have minor section loss, cracking, spalling or scour.
Last inspectionApril 2024
Inspection intervalevery 24 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour within limits of footing or piles
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry4: Meets minimum tolerable limits to be left in place as is
Waterway adequacy8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating80 US tons
Inventory rating47 US tons

Structure

MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length250 ft (76.2 m)
Longest span100 ft (30.5 m)
Deck width34 ft (10.5 m)
Roadway width32 ft (9.8 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic8,745 (2023)
Projected traffic12,420 by 2039
Trucks10%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed8.1 mi (13 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemNo

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedRehabilitation because of general structure deterioration or inadequate strength
Estimated improvement cost$4 million (2022 estimate)
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was SR 162 over S Prairie Creek built?

It was built in 1969, making it 56 years old in 2025.

What condition is SR 162 over S Prairie Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in April 2024.

How much traffic does SR 162 over S Prairie Creek carry?

About 8,745 vehicles per day (2023 count), of which roughly 10% are trucks.

How long is SR 162 over S Prairie Creek?

The structure is 250 ft (76.2 m) long with a longest span of 100 ft (30.5 m) and a deck 34 ft wide.

Who owns SR 162 over S Prairie Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.